Sunday, July 14, 2013

Countdown begins to prestigious cycling event

* Riders in last year's Etape Cymru head up the Horseshoe Pass.

The countdown has begun to welcome one of the UK's most prestigious cycling sportives to North East Wales.

The route of Wiggle Etape Cymru 2013, to be held on Sunday, September 8, starts and finishes at Bangor on Dee Racecourse and passes through communities in Wrexham County Borough before it enters into Denbighshire through the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Beauty.

The route takes in several well-known climbs including the legendary Horseshoe Pass which incorporates a timed King of the Mountains challenge.

This incredible event was voted Sportive of the Year 2012 by readers of Road Cycling UK and has been widely acclaimed for its success by all of the top cycling media outlets.

The event is being staged by Human Race, who are the UK's largest mass participation events company and fully is supported by Wrexham and Denbighshire Councils.

Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans, said: "Cycling is becoming an ever more popular sport, especially in the wake of the tremendous cycling success at London 2012 and we are extremely keen to capitalise on this renewed interest in the sport.

"Here in Denbighshire we are working hard to establish the county as a centre for cycling excellence. We have the infrastructure to deliver this, with resources such as the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Cycling Centre at Llandegla right on our very own doorstep.

"This year will be the third year in a row that Denbighshire County Council has been actively involved in assisting event organisers to ensure the safe running of this event and we are confident that it will continue to be a great success."

Nick Rusling, CEO of Human Race said: "We welcome the support of Wrexham and Denbighshire Council in making this year's Etape Cymru the best yet. After the fantastic success of last year's event cyclists are anticipating a great event for 2013 and we look forward to welcoming thousands of cyclists to the region."